Solar Panel Cost Guide in Warren, MI (2023 Update)
- Warren Solar Installation Cost: $11,953
- 25-Year Savings: $13,167
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Warren
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Warren.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Warren, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. Since a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Warren, the average price of going solar will be about $11,959 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Warren homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Warren for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Warren
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,560 |
| 3 years | $-7,776 |
| 5 years | $-4,991 |
| 7 years | $-2,206 |
| 9 years | $578 |
| 11 years | $3,363 |
| 13 years | $6,148 |
| 15 years | $8,932 |
| 17 years | $11,717 |
| 19 years | $14,502 |
| 21 years | $17,286 |
| 23 years | $20,071 |
| 25 years | $22,856 |
Top Solar Installers in Warren
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Warren
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Warren
The cost of installing a solar system in Warren can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Warren average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Warren to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Warren, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.92 | $12,274 | $12,529 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $17,020 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $21,668 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $26,474 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $31,437 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $36,557 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $41,835 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $47,270 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Warren, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Warren?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Warren?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.